F T Bidlake

[Hover Fly]

Top racer of the 19th century, then involved in motor and aero sport, certainly had his views on derailleur chains, I don’t think he liked them:

(Fourth line from the bottom)
From Cycling May 31 1929

 

[Sharky]

May be of interest ....

The F T Bidlake Memorial Trust https://share.google/uKLrRGStnaSgXubLS

 

[Ian H]

He had a point about the chains of the day. He was also rigorously opposed to 'massed-start' racing.

 

[matticus]

He had a point about the chains of the day. He was also rigorously opposed to 'massed-start' racing.

So you're not a fan of wanky chains either?

 

[Ian H]

So you're not a fan of wanky chains either?

The point is that they didn't do that (I can't comment on Bidlake's use of language, but the first attested use of w*nk in its current meaning was in 1905). Bushless chains, very flexible, are a much more recent invention.
* asterisk for childish Bowdlerisation

 

[matticus]

I can't comment on Bidlake's use of language

go on - you know you want to!

 

[Ian H]

go on - you know you want to!

I'm more exercised by the prissiness in this place regarding words found in dictionaries and all decent publications. It's like stepping back into the 1950s.